Crown forklift gets design award

Crown Equipment's RC 5500 Series of three-wheel stand-up counterbalanced forklifts has received a Good Design Award from the Chicago Athenaeum Museum of Architecture and Design. The annual awards program recognizes the most innovative and cutting-edge industrial, product, and graphic designs produced around the world.

Capable of transporting loads weighing up to 4,000 pounds, the RC 5500 was designed to increase productivity by enhancing ergonomics and comfort, said Crown officials.

Using the company's new FlexRide suspension, shock and vibration is reduced by up to three times more than other stand-up counterbalanced lift trucks, they said. “FlexRide also protects operators from the wear and tear created in a typical dock application, providing a ride comparable to a high-quality automobile.”

By insetting the right-side wall and offsetting the operator, the operator is given a direct sightline to the front of the truck and its forks. “This enhanced view allows operators to anticipate any trouble spots and correct position of the lift truck before making tight turns,” said the officials.